Watch Twin

Twin, a gritty Norwegian crime drama series, is a thrilling tale of brotherhood, betrayal, and vengeance that premiered on the streaming platform Amazon Prime Addon in 2019. The cable TV series featuring Kristofer Hivju, Rebekka Nystabakk, and Mathilde Holtedahl Cuhra follows the lives of identical twins Adam and Erik, who reunite after a 15-year separation.

The story unfolds with a gruesome murder in a small Norwegian town, where the victim closely resembles Erik in appearance. Before the police can get to him, Erik flees to look for Adam, his estranged twin brother who has been living a tranquil and affluent life in his family's farm in Lofoten Island.

Despite their physical similarity, the twins' lives are poles apart. Adam, a successful businessman, has a wife, kids, and a lavish lifestyle, while Erik, after years of imprisonment and addiction, is back to the island to start anew. Their reunion turns out far from joyful as they try to come to terms with their past and mend their estranged relationship. However, both their lives are soon thrown into a dangerous spiral as the mystery of the murder deepens, and darker secrets from their past are revealed.

Under the guise of a thrilling whodunit, the core of the show lies in exploring the relationship between the twin brothers, the secrets they kept for 15 years, and what drove them apart. Hivju's exquisite acting skills shine as he plays both Adam and Erik, making it easy for the audience to distinguish between the two characters. The actor, well known for his role as Tormund Giantsbane in Game of Thrones, delivers an extraordinary performance, especially when playing Erik, who is haunted by the traumatic events from the past.

Rebekka Nystabakk plays the role of Isabella, the detective on the case who questions the brothers, trying to piece together the complicated history between them. Isabella is a complex character, contributing to the feminist themes in the series, as she battles her inner demons while dealing with the investigation, where her gender and career are questioned. Mathilde Holtedahl Cuhra plays Eva, Adam's wife, who is anxious about Erik's sudden appearance and the secrets Adam seems to be hiding.

The scenic backdrop of Lofoten Island, with its stunning mountainous scenery and dramatic landscapes, is an essential element of the show. The rugged terrain serves as a deliberate parallel to the turbulent lives of the brothers, adding to the intensity of the story. The excellent cinematography captures the beauty of the island during both day and night scenes, from serene sunsets to brooding foggy landscapes.

The show's themes are explored using a nuanced approach, bringing together multiple aspects like family, sibling rivalry, childhood trauma, addiction, forgiveness, and redemption without ever feeling preachy. The show's creators, Kristoffer Metcalfe and Benjamin Ree, have done an outstanding job in weaving these themes together, creating a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The drama series is directed by the Norwegian filmmaker, Anne Sewitsky, who has brought the Nordic Noir genre to life. Her signature visually stunning, slow-paced storytelling style adds to the suspense, and the show is a perfect example of her masterful directorial style.

In conclusion, Twin is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys quality crime dramas. The performances, intriguing storyline, and breathtaking backdrops make it an excellent addition to the Nordic Noir genre. The show manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats from the first frame to the last, never missing a beat. It is a unique crime thriller that offers a lot more than just solving the case. Twin is one of those rare gems that will leave a lasting impression and have the viewers invested in the characters' journey long after the end credits roll.

Twin is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 27, 2019 and on Amazon Addon